Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants

Dealing with the effects of hearing loss — and wondering what this means for your future — can be frightening, especially if you have little or no knowledge of the hearing treatments available. Getting basic insight into today's hearing enhancement options and the technology behind them can help you gain some comfort and confidence, and assist you in making the best decision for your or your loved one’s needs. Start with the quick facts below, which detail a few key differences between two primary hearing devices recommended today — hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Hearing aids

What are hearing aids?

These little digital sound boosters are expertly engineered to fit inside or behind the ear to improve hearing by addressing deficits of both loudness and clarity of sounds. Removable and lightweight, modern hearing aids are made to maximize comfort while amplifying sound traveling into the ear.

Hearing aid technology

Battery-powered hearing aids use microphone technology to effectively turn up the volume for the wearer. The microphone captures the noise, a tiny computer chip processes and magnifies the sounds, and a small speaker sends the information to the inner ear. Depending on the brand, they may offer many different customization options to suit the wearer.

Who needs hearing aids?

For people who experience mild to moderate hearing loss that affects their daily life, hearing aids offer an effective, non-invasive solution. They're usually recommended for patients with sensorineural hearing loss — the most common type of hearing loss.

Cochlear implants

What are cochlear implants?

As the name implies, cochlear implants are devices that are surgically implanted into the ear. These permanent implants use electrodes that prompt the auditory nerve (cochlea) to recreate the sensation of sound, which then sends signals to the brain so that you can hear.

Cochlear implant technology

Cochlear implants are comprised of external and internal hardware connected through magnetic force. The external device includes a speech processor, transmitter and microphone. The internal hardware contains a receiver implanted under the skin behind the ear and electrodes placed in the inner ear. The microphone picks up the sound, the processor sends it to the receiver, and the receiver converts the sound to electrical pulses.

Who needs cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants are usually reserved for more severe cases of hearing impairment. They may offer significant improvement in hearing ability for individuals who are mostly or completely deaf.

Sooner is better

It’s estimated that people with hearing loss wait an average of seven years to get help!¹ But the sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you may be able to improve your hearing — and your quality of life. If you or a loved one are having trouble hearing, visit a qualified hearing specialist who can recommend the best treatment for your specific issues.

Keep in mind that you can use your CareCredit credit card to pay hearing and other health-related expenses that insurance doesn’t cover, like deductibles, copays, coinsurance and appointments.* To find qualified doctors, audiologists and other health care professionals near you who accept CareCredit, visit the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App.